Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi all,

I'm an AP newbie and I've been thinking about setting up a new system for a few months. So over the long weekend I setup an IBC system. I have followed most of the basics I've found on this site, so I have a 700l-ish FT and 200l of grow media in my GB. I filled the fish tank with water from the tap yesterday and planted a selection of veggies in my GB. Upon recommendation from BYAP I added about 20mls of seasol to the water yesterday to help the seedlings along while I wait to get some fish. I also bought a bottle of water/bacteria from BYAP and I plan on adding that to the grow bed tonight. I will be collecting 15 SP in the next day or two to add to the system. I have a 3000lpm pump in the FT set to run 15 mins per hour, around which I plan on placing some mesh before adding the fingerlings.

Based on what I have mentioned above, can anyone see any issues with my approach?

I plan to upload some photos in the next day or 2.

Thanks in advance!

15 fish will put a strain on a 200L bed once they grow, but silver perch will give you time to add more beds.
Good stuff

Thanks for the feedback mantis. I do have a second IBC which I plan on turning into a second GB in a few months.

About the only other thing you may need is a test kit! seems to be a standard thing when your just starting out! if you dont already have one that is.

Thanks wolvenstein. Would you know where to buy a test kit at a good price? I have a ph/alkaline test kit for my pool, but I guess I need to be able to test for nitrite and nitrate levels.

Try the BYAP shop in Jandakot... or order online....

Byap sells them

Thanks guys, I think I will grab one of the kits they have at BYAP.


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-32.060371,115.861973

Hi I am a newbie myself so I hope I can learn by adding my thoughts.
The only thing I would worry about is "putting mesh around your pump" is that would have to make sure that no fish can get caught up in it ( I lost one down the outlet pipe before adding a mesh cover only to have a fish get caught in it but was saved)
I also have started with IBCs but have a sump tank with the pump in it
I have not worked out how to add a link to my system as my yet but you can see it by searching on GnomMan
Cheer and Happy APing

Ive done one the same, but i also got 2 x 200l plastic drums and cut them in half lengthways to make 4 extra growbeds. The system has been running now for about 2 months, and seems to be running well.

Hey guys,

As promised here are a couple of pics of my AP system.

Looks good so far, you will add to it soon enough. Mine started the same but has now got another 400l grow bed with the orignal tank now a sump, I started with 20 trout and didnt loose any because of the new bed. Good luck with it.

Someones after a free hat!!!

Hi Peanut,

Yup! That's the plan. I'd like to add a second grow bed in about a month or so.

I have unfortunately had a slight set back this morning when one of my dogs decided to grab the pipe which runs from the pump to the GB and tear holes in it. Fortunately my wife spotted the damaged pipe before we lost too much water from the tank to hopefully we can get it all sorted and dog proof soon.